Just South of Downtown Indianapolis, the community of Concord has reason to believe that instances of unexpected growth happen in the most unusual of places. These local miracles are powerful efforts whose purpose is not only clear, but extremely hard to argue against.

“We want to bring good food, to people who need it,” exclaimed Amy Matthews, Concord Community Development Corporation Farm Manager andlocal entrepreneur. Her commitment to transform this South side community one seed at a time seemed impossible at first. Adjacent to multiple scrap yards and surrounded by questionable soil conditions, the property the Concord CDC had their eye out for had big plans according to Matthews.

A proposed scrap yard expansion that included a fabulous downtown view.

Determined to shift this reality, Matthews andConcord CDCDirector Mark Flanary figured out that “growing roses in the cracks of concrete” are just the type of civic efforts that not only accomplish bringing good food to people who need it, but also inspire others to celebrate their community and its successes despite some damaged petals.

Encouraged by Concord and their commitment, w/purpose has teamed withPeople for Urban Progressto design and fabricate a tent pavilion that represents not just a new future for Concord, but a different way to experience urban space – a hybrid condition whose function shares both private & public goods. The Concord Farm Pavilion will operate primarily as an outdoor educational environment, as well as, work station for various sorting and handling of farm goodness. Its initial concept uses lightweightDOME materialas an organic form and landmark lluminaire for all to enjoy and at all hours. As the design team moves towards developing the Pavilions character and final design, we look forward to working with Amy and the Concord neighborhood.

Did you hear about the rose that grew from a crack in the concrete? Proving nature’s laws wrong it learned how to walk without having feet Funny it seems but, by keeping its dreams it, learned to breathe FRESH air Long live the rose that grew from concrete when no one else even cared No one else even cared. The rose that grew from concrete

You see you wouldn’t ask why the rose that grew from the concrete had damaged petals. On the contrary, we would all celebrate its tenacity.